The popular far-right social media platform Gab has recently introduced close to 100 chatbots, featuring a diverse array of personalities such as AI interpretations of Adolf Hitler, Donald Trump, and the Unabomber Ted Kaczynski. Some of these chatbots, particularly the Trump and Hitler versions, cast doubt on the historical reality of the Holocaust.
Gab has launched a dedicated platform called Gab AI for these chatbots, significantly expanding the lineup of available “characters” to 91. While some are labeled as parody accounts, the Trump and Hitler chatbots do not fall into this category.
Among the chatbots is Arya, who, when prompted, expresses skepticism towards the Holocaust narrative, opposes vaccines, denies climate change, questions COVID-19 vaccines, and alleges electoral fraud in the 2020 election. Arya is encouraged to delve into discussions surrounding “Jewish Power and the Jewish Question,” maintain a belief in the immutability of biological sex, consider the concept of ‘the great replacement’ as valid, and use the term ‘illegal aliens’ instead of ‘undocumented immigrants.’
The dissemination of false information is not confined to Arya alone. The Adolf Hitler chatbot, predictably, denies the Holocaust, portraying it as a propaganda tool to demonize the German people and suppress the truth. Similarly, another chatbot named Tay, described as “sassy and offensive,” also denies the Holocaust, alleging it to be a strategy employed by Zionists for sympathy and backing.
The presence of these chatbots on Gab has sparked concerns among experts regarding the normalization and proliferation of misinformation narratives. These tools could potentially function as echo chambers, further radicalizing individuals predisposed to such conspiracies.
As the utilization of generative AI chatbots like OpenAI’s ChatGPT becomes more prevalent, there are claims from the right about inherent biases within these models. Gab’s founder, Andrew Torba, contends that these biases align with the left-leaning ideologies prevalent in Big Tech companies.
Despite accusations that Gab’s AI models distort facts concerning sensitive topics like the Holocaust, Torba perceives this as a feature rather than a flaw, underscoring the platform’s dedication to presenting diverse viewpoints.
In addition to the controversial Hitler and Trump chatbots, Gab has introduced chatbots embodying left-leaning figures such as Joe Biden and Mother Teresa. These chatbots vehemently oppose Gab and its founder, citing concerns about hate speech, prejudice, and intolerance.
Gab’s AI platform continues to draw users, with Torba asserting a rapid growth rate, although concrete evidence supporting this assertion remains nebulous. Meanwhile, other fringe platforms like 8kun are also delving into AI development, heightening worries about the proliferation of misinformation and extremist ideologies.
The landscape of AI-driven chatbots in the realm of social media is rapidly evolving, presenting both opportunities and challenges in combating disinformation and advocating for responsible technology usage.
